Robert Chapinski

ROCK FALLS – Robert Chapinski, 83, of Rock Falls, died Friday, Sept. 24, 2010, at CGH Medical Center. He was a quality control manager at National Manufacturing Co. for 42 years, retiring in 1991.

Robert was born July 2, 1927, in Morrison, the son of Leo and Ena (Lyon) Chapinski. He married Rosemary Bennett on Oct. 16, 1948, in Sterling. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2007.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and commander of the Sterling Veterans of Foreign Wars. Robert was a devoted charter member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and a stained glass maker. He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and doing carpentry work. He was an avid Chicago White Sox fan.

He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; one son-in-law, Douglas Ledford; one brother. Leo Chapinski Jr.; and one grandson, Carson Hinrichs.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Rock Falls, with Monsignor Thomas Dzielak, celebrant, officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to St. Andrew Grade School, St. Andrew Catholic Church, both in Rock Falls, and Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling.